In honor of Halloween, we would like to highlight some marine “monsters.” These monsters are the most frightening type of all. They are taking over new regions, rapidly increasing in numbers, and eating everything in their paths. These species are… marine invaders. Carp aren’t scary are they? They are simply big, docile fish that feed on … Continue reading
In honor of Halloween, we would like to highlight some marine “monsters.” These monsters are the most frightening type of all. They are taking over new regions, rapidly increasing in numbers, and eating everything in their paths. These species are… marine invaders. Lionfish Lionfish are predatory fish, meaning they eat other fish, that are native to … Continue reading
This recent article by Michael D. Jones discusses the merits of telling a good story. Right… So we know that already. What else do we already know? How about this: recent Gallup poll data reveal that only 57% of the American public believes that the main cause of global warming is human activity. Now, what if … Continue reading
For UNdertheC’s first “Photography Friday” I’d like to highlight the beautiful and mysterious manta ray that was featured in a recent TED talk available here. Manta rays are gentle giants of the ocean. Mantas can grow to have 23 ft wingspans and weigh up to 4,440 lbs! Although it is a common misconception, they do … Continue reading
A few thoughts from last night’s showing of Blackfish on CNN As a young girl, I remember being amazed by the whale shows of SeaWorld. I begged my parents until they took me to swim with dolphins. I dreamed of being a trainer and having the opportunity to interact with these amazing animals ever day. I … Continue reading
What role do Somali Pirates play in climate research: http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/10/how-somali-pirates-almost-but-not-quite-halted-vital-climate-change-research/280621/ Belize to monitor MPAs with aerial drones: http://amandala.com.bz/news/unmanned-aerial-drones-police-belizean-waters/ An old but cool segment on pristine reefs in cuba (featuring Anderson Cooper scuba diving): The new IPCC report (as seen in our business as usual” post: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/09/27/science/IPCC-report-summary.html?ref=earth&_r=0 What the government shutdown did to science: http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/med-tech/what-the-shutdown-did-to-science-16051793 Continue reading
Whether you consider them centers of discovery or lairs of evil geniuses, you probably have some mental image of a scientific lab (or la-BOHR-atory, for you evil geniuses). There’s the row of white coats, the cabinets of mysterious glass bottles, and, always, the machines. Blinking and beeping, these instruments, as they are more formally known, … Continue reading
I’ve grown tired of watching the same “true crime” plotlines over and over again on TV. I want the bad guys to be caught, but what I really want is more variation, more novelty, more…science. I would therefore like to pitch an idea for a new episode of a detective drama, an idea that is … Continue reading
Connect Outreach and Science As scientists, we need to start thinking of research and outreach as interconnected goals. The old paradigm within the scientific community has been “Do good work and it will speak for itself.” How about a new paradigm? Let’s try to change it to “Do good work and tell people about it.” … Continue reading
According to a new paper published in “Nature” this month, under the “business as usual” scenario (no greenhouse gas regulation, IPCC), the average air temperature of most places on earth will be hotter than any recorded temperature at that location from 1860-2006 (link to the paper). This means that the average temperature will be greater … Continue reading
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